Sunset Magazine to Develop First-Ever Sustainable Idea Town in Seabrook, Washington

Each year, <a href="http://www.sunset.com/home/idea-houses/" target="_blank">Sunset Magazine</a> builds an "<a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/sunset-idea-house/" target="_blank">Idea House</a>" to showcase new trends, technologies and materials in residential architecture. This year, they're doing something a bit different -- they're sponsoring a whole town! Currently under construction, the 2013 Sunset Idea Town is located in the seaside town of <a href="http://www.seabrookwa.com/" target="_blank">Seabrook</a>, Washington. The idyllic town is located about 2.5 hours from Seattle, and it features pedestrian-friendly streets, parks, plazas, shops and other amenities surrounded by nature. Sunset isn't actually building the entire town; the magazine is working with community architects and designers to build a number of houses to showcase the principles of the <a href="http://www.seabrookwa.com/sustainability_statement.asp" target="_blank">New Urbanist Town</a>, which will incorporate green building practices.

“<a href="http://www.seabrookwa.com/" target="_blank">Seabrook</a> is a charming seaside town built on big ideas that promote a true sense of community,” said Sunset Editor-in-Chief Kitty Morgan. “Seabrook’s ability to integrate these development principles seamlessly within a stunning natural environment is what made it the ideal candidate for the 2013 Idea Houses and the Idea Town recognition.”

The 2013 Sunset Idea Town will include two Idea Houses and courtyard guest cottages located near Seabrook’s local restaurant, market, and growing retail district.

The homes will have views of the Pacific Ocean and the native coastal forest and will place a strong emphasis on outdoor living.

The Sunset Idea Town is currently under construction and will be completed in August of 2013.

Sunset is working with the planners and contractors at Seabrook as well as Brian Paquette of Seattle’s <a href="http://bpinteriors.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">BP Interiors</a>, Peter Brachvogel of <a href="http://www.bcandj.com/" target="_blank">BC&amp;J Architects</a>, and garden designer <a href="http://www.seabrookwa.com/about_team.asp" target="_blank">Stephen Poulakos</a>.

The homes will be built in accordance with the <a href="http://www.seabrookwa.com/sustainability_statement.asp" target="_blank">sustainability strategies</a> of the rest of the town and will include a tight thermal envelope, energy efficient heating and cooling systems, Energy Star appliances and lighting, and eco materials that promote a healthy indoor air quality.

The landscaping will make use of native plants and drought tolerant strategies to reduce water use.

The homes will be available for public tours starting in August through the end of October for $18 a person.

A feature in the October edition of Sunset Magazine will showcase the homes and their designs.

Site plan for Sunset Idea Houses at Seabrook in Washington.